The Dallas Wings have a ton of young talent. Paige Bueckers headlined a big group of rookies in the 2025 season that also included Aziaha James, JJ Quinerly, and Luisa Geiselsöder. On top of that, the Wings have Diamond Miller and Maddy Siegrist as well as another incoming lottery pick.
It also seems that Awak Kuier, the Wings’ lottery pick from 2021 will make her WNBA return after not playing since 2023. Kuier’s first three WNBA seasons were relatively underwhelming for a number two overall pick. She never even averaged three points and three rebounds per game. Kuier made her WNBA debut when she was just 20 years old and much younger than the typical rookie. She may have just needed some more time to develop before being ready to make real contributions at the WNBA level.
Kuier is playing well in Turkey this season, where Wings GM Curt Miller watched her play not too long ago, and is also showing out for the Finnish national team.
Kuier is playing well in the EuroBasket Qualifiers
National teams are already in the process of qualifying for the 2027 EuroBasket tournament that will take place in Belgium, Finland, Sweden, and Lithuania. Kuier headlines a Finnish national team that hasn’t found much success in international competitions. 2027 is the first time Finland will compete in EuroBasket since 1987. They did not qualify in any year since then. As a host nation, Finland is already qualified for the tournament, so the team is playing the other hosts while the team’s still hoping to qualify face off in the first round.
So far, Kuier has played like the star the Finnish national team needs to find success. She recorded 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist in a loss to Belgium, going up against a star-studded roster led by Emma Meesseman, Julie Vanloo, and Julie Allemand. On Sunday, she put up 15 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks in an 86-77 win over Sweden.
Awak Kuier is a unique talent
Awak Kuier is the type of unique talent that is becoming more and more popular in the WNBA: a long, athletic big who can do a little bit of everything. Kuier can dunk and protect the rim very well, but can also beat other bigs with her speed and athleticism, get to work on the perimeter, and push the ball in transition.
While that talent hasn’t quite translated to the WNBA yet, it could very soon. Kuier looks more W-ready a few years after being drafted, and Miller seems intrigued by the idea of adding her to the young core of Paige Bueckers and co.
In the 2026 WNBA Draft, the Wings could have a chance to draft another great talent of the same archetype. Spanish teen Awa Fam also comes with a unique blend of size, skill, and athleticism. She could be the Wings’ lottery pick if they don’t choose to go with Lauren Betts.